Experts have warned that drivers could face a hefty £1,000 fine for failing to clean dirt off their number plates, citing a simple law.
According to motoring specialists at Go Car Credit, it is the responsibility of drivers to ensure that their number plates are readable.
The Highway Code states that number plates must be “clearly visible” at all times, and failure to remove excess dirt could result in a breach of this regulation.
Hayley O’Connor, Head of Marketing at Go Car Credit, emphasized that drivers have no excuse if any of the letters on their number plates are covered.
She stated, “With the change in seasons, it can be easy for a mucky number plate to obscure the characters, but that doesn’t excuse people from neglecting necessary checks before embarking on a journey.”
“Drivers have a responsibility to ensure their vehicle is safe, legal, and roadworthy, and this includes making sure that their number plates are clearly visible,” added O’Connor.
Go Car Credit highlights the fact that autumn weather often brings wet or unpredictable conditions, increasing the likelihood of dirt accumulating on number plates.
Number plates play a vital role in law enforcement, as they are used by police officers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to identify vehicles and issue appropriate penalties.
In the event that a number plate is deemed unreadable, road users run the risk of being pulled over by the police.
Geoffrey Miller Solicitors states that motorists may receive an on-the-spot £100 fine for a genuine accident, but this amount could increase to £1,000 if the case is escalated to court.
Jon Kirkbright, sales director at Platehunter, further emphasizes that drivers face a “huge fine” if they fail to keep their number plates clean.
He explains, “Keeping your car clean is important in many ways. Just as you wouldn’t drive around with a dirty windscreen or wing mirror, the same rule should apply to your number plate.
“The law specifies that number plates must be clearly visible at all times, and drivers are not allowed to alter the arrangement or spacing to create other words.
“However, it is equally important that the number plate remains readable. If it is covered in mud or dirt, it may become illegible, putting you at risk of facing a significant fine.”
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